Hope you are ALL having a great day thus far – yes, we know we’re posting a bit later than normal, but we wanted to make sure we provided you with something to read at the end of your lunch break or when you’re bored in the afternoon (and want to go home!).

As usual, have a wonderful rest of your day, smile, laugh, be happy, and have a great weekend!

The Boston Sports Scoreboard

The Boston Bruins return to the ice this evening when they visit the Calgary Flames for a 9 p.m. face-off. Boston is still the top team in the Eastern Conference with 88 points – can they make it to 90 this evening?

The Boston Celtics kick-off the second half of their 2019-20 season this evening, when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. Boston, is currently the third-best team in the Eastern Conference – they are behind the Milwaukee Bucks (first) and Toronto Raptors (second).

The Noontime Headlines (and Links)

It sounds like Tom Brady could be headed to the Tennessee Titans, but maybe he will come back to the New England Patriots? (CBS Boston)

Here are five things a few NFL experts think will happen when Tom Brady enters free agency in a few weeks. (Boston.com)

The NFL wants a 17th game and an expanded postseason. Does that sound good to you? (The Boston Globe)

The Bruins are likely to trade David Backes by the NHL Trade Deadline next week. (CBS Boston)

Apparently, Colin Cowherd believes the Boston Celtics can win the NBA title later this spring (and early summer!). (NESN.com)

An Alabama football staff member is leaving the college football program and heading to the pros to join the Patriots. (247 Sports)

VIDEO OF THE DAY: David Ortiz is calling Mike Fiers a ‘snitch,’ and ESPN had some thoughts on this comment!

Welcome to Thursday, everyone – we’re one day away from the start of a brand new weekend!

The sun is shining outside my window, but it is VERY cold, so make sure to bundle up and maybe wear an extra hat (or gloves). But luckily this cold spell will pass as the mild temperatures will return this weekend (and even next week, too). So get excited!

Alright, without further ado, here is a brand new Daily Noontime, but remember … make sure you smile, laugh, eat a cookie, drink some hot cocoa, and read something interesting today.

The Boston Sports Scoreboard

The Boston Bruins kicked-off their road trip with a 2-1 (overtime) win last night over the Edmonton Oilers. David Pastrnak and Patrice Bergeron each lit the lamp for the Bruins, who improve to 38-11-12 overall.

The BostonCeltics will commence the second half of their season tomorrow when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves for an 8 p.m. tip-off.

The Noontime Headlines (and Links)

Chris Kreider remains on the market and could be a target for not just the Bruins at the NHL Trade Deadline. (NBC Sports)

According to a report, the NFL would add an extra playoff team under the Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning this season. (ProFootballTalk.com)

Brock Holt won’t be playing for the Boston Red Sox this season – he recently joined the Milwaukee Brewers – but one Boston journalist pondered the question if he was the greatest utility player in the team’s history. (Boston.com)

According to Colin Cowherd, the New England Patriots could sign Derek Carr if Tom Brady inks his name on a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. (NESN.com)

Robert Williams will be returning to the hardwood soon for the Celtics. (Boston.com)

The NBA postseason will be here before we know it, which means its time to highlight a few teams that could provide the Celtics with some challenges over the next few weeks. (Fansided)

VIDEO OF THE DAY: In honor of ‘Throwback Thursday’ here is my audition tape for the Chicago Cubs PA Announcer position from 2011. (Feel free to laugh – I won’t get upset!)

Hopefully, everyone is having a wonderful week thus far and enjoying the sun this morning – it feels like late-March outside (and early April), which makes me excited for the spring.

As usual, have a wonderful day – don’t stress too much! – and make sure to smile, laugh, and do something fun during your lunch break.

The Boston Sports Scoreboard

The Boston Bruins return to the ice this evening with an 8:30 p.m. puck drop against the Edmonton Oilers. Boston remains the top team in the Eastern Conference with 86 points, but don’t lose sight of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning.

We’re two days away from the start of the second half of the season for the Boston Celtics, who will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, February 21st.

The Noontime Headlines (and Links)

Tom Brady watch continues – apparently, the soon-to-be free agent quarterback may have plenty of teams interested in signing the six-time Super Bowl champion on the initial day of the free agency. (ProFootballTalk.com)

The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin shares his thoughts on nine moves the New England Patriots should make this offseason. (Boston Globe)

The 2020 NHL Trade Deadline is quickly approaching and apparently, some of the players the Bruins wanted to acquire have been traded to other teams. (Boston Globe)

The hands-Free driving law is set to take effect this Sunday here in Massachusetts. Here is what you need to know about the new law. (Boston.com)

Apparently, Tom Brady is in a group chat with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. And both actors want to know where he will play football next season. (Yahoo.com)

Could Ryan Weber become the fifth starter in the Boston Red Sox rotation this spring? (Boston Herald)

VIDEO OF THE DAY: This should put a smile on your face for it being … Wednesday!

This is one of my favorite postseasons to follow – I do also enjoy playoff hockey as well, but playoff basketball is something I could watch all the time. So, without further ado, here are my predictions for the upcoming N.B.A. playoffs, enjoy!

Care to agree or disagree? Send me a tweet @MattNoonan11 and make sure to stay connected with Noontime Sports’ basketball Twitter (@Noontime_Hoops)

It’s Friday, and while we don’t need to break out into song and dance, let’s instead dish out some headlines and news from the Hub!

* Despite rallying to tie the game, Washington’s Brooks Laichnetted the game winning shootout goal, which helped the Capitals defeat the Boston Bruins on Thursday, 3-2. Tim Thomasrecorded 21 saves between the pipes, and held Washington scoreless for the first two frames. Had Boston won, they would have clinched a playoff spot, but luckily, the Black and Gold will return to the ice on Saturday when they travel to Long Island to face the New York Islanders.

* Bobby Valentine told the media on Thursday that he’s expecting Carl Crawfordto begin the season on a rehab assignment. The left fielder underwent wrist surgery this past offseason, and has taken part in bunting drills with the team. However, Valentine doesn’t believe he’ll be able to face living pitching until he possibly experiences “50 at-bats somewhere.”

* The Boston Celtics will return to the hardwood on Friday when they travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00pm.

* Celtics President Danny Ainge made his weekly appearance on Boston sports radio WEEI on Thursday, and told The Big Show that he’s not planning on forcing Mickael Pietrus to get back on the court. He’s expected to return to the lineup soon, but according to reports, the Celtics should have more information on his concussion he sustained last week in Philadelphia.